Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Autumn is just around the corner and some would say that there is no better place to go leaf - peeping that the Blue Ridge Parkway. For those who aren't local, the Blue Ridge Parkway is 755 km (thats 469 miles) of some of the most beautiful driving that the United States has the offer. If you love roadtrips and you love nature, this is the perfect motorhome escape for you. Check out Motorhome Roadtrip for details planning your Blue Ridge Parkway roadtip.

Monday, August 23, 2010

Maybe calling Cornelius Comanns' new design a campervan is a bit of a stretch considering there is no real van involved in this innovative new design. Determined to create a greener type of RV the German industrial designer came up with this innovative concept, as seen on DesignBoom, that has been christened the Bufalino.

The Bufalino is meant to meet the needs of one camper and includes all the comforts of home including chairs, storage and a bed, not to mention a kitchenette.

While onsite laundry seems unlikely, the Bufalino does offer ample space to hang and dry your clothes once you've found a place to stop and enjoy.

Based on a three-wheel, fuel efficient Piaggio APE 50, Comanns design is all about marrying environmental consciousness with flexibility and functionality.

So if you're thinking of camping out solo why not keep your eyes open for a Bufalino to hit the road with? In the meantime head to Cheap RV Rentals to get a great rate for a motorhome rental near you.

Want to head out to Burning Man this year, but don't want to rough it? You're not alone according to The LA Times. While it was once mandatory for festival goers to brave the elements in order to participate that no longer seems to be the case. In fact, more than ever people are scrambling to secure luxury motorhome rentals to cushion the blow of camping outdoors in Nevada's Black Rock Desert, where the event is being held this year between August 30 and September 6. With the advent of activities like glamping (ie: luxury camping) is it any surprise that decked out RV rentals at Burning Man are now a reality?

While 50,000 are expected to gather in the desert this year, the look of 2010's Burning Man will be decidedly different than the inaugural festival held in 1986. According to The Times, some festival goers are dropping between $12,000 and $15,000 so as to avoid roughing it (these motorhomes come kitted out with flatscreen TVs, soft bedding and fully stocked kitchens), while others prefer to keep a bit more with the ethos of Burning Man and search out better prices. For great deals on rental motorhomes for Burning Man or any other festival this year check out Cheap RV Rental USA.

On the South Eastern coast of South Africa you will find the country's second oldest city, the beautiful and historic Port Elizabeth. If you've travelled the Sunshine Coast or visited the Cape, Port Elizabeth is a wonderful last stop for your South African campervan vacation or a great to visit in and of itself.

Once known as the 10 minute city, with everything in easy reach, Port Elizabeth's urban sprawl has somewhat surpassed those earlier time estimates, although the city manages to maintain a cozy feel. Construction and development is on a rise, especially following preparations for the World Cup, but the city is still charming. Port Elizabeth is great because you can find sandy beaches only minutes away from a bustling metropolis full of laid back folks interested in introducing you to the good (or "lekker") life.

So head to Port Elizabeth to enjoy the year-round mild climate, the gorgeous beaches and important sights like Fort Frederick, the Shamwarmi Game Reserve and Elephant Park. Scuba dive, wind surf or enjoy a sunset cocktail while overlooking the ocean, you won't be short on activities or enjoyment while in PE.

The city of Bloemfontein is known as the City of Roses and for good reason, the romantic blooms are everywhere here and there is also a rose festival held annually. Bloemfontein's Sesotho name is quite different, however, translating into City of Cheetahs. If you choose to tour Bloemfontein in your campervan rental you will find that the city offers a diverse selection of sights and activities to keep you entertained.

One of your first stops should be the Botanical Gardens, a no-brainer in a city known for its roses. Pause for a picnic, there are some great spots here and entrance is free. Head up to Naval Hill and the Franklin Nature Reserve to observe wildlife and take in some gorgeous panoramic views. When on Naval Hill keep your eye out for the White Horse, a landmark erected during the Angelo Boer War by the Wiltshire Remount Depot. For more nature you may want to visit the State President Swart Park (the King's Park here was opened in 1925 by the Prince of Wales) where a great art market is held on the first Saturday of every month. There is also a zoo that can be enjoyed by young and old alike.

For entertainment and a taste of life in Bloemfontein head down to the Loch Logan Waterfront where you will find numerous ways to kick back as well as stadiums for sports like rugby and cricket. For great architecture check out the local court buildings, very important to the lifeblood of the city, although if it is fun and entertainment you're looking for try the Windmill Casino and Entertainment Centre. Here you will find adults-only activities and fun for the whole family, everything from gambling to restaurants and shows to bowling.

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Whether it is admiring lighthouses or whale watching along the western coast, sipping wine in the majestically beautiful Breedekloof Wine Valley, kayaking in Three Anchor Bay or riding an ostrich, Cape Town and its environs truly does offer something for everyone. Cape Town is the perfect mix of modern luxuries and natural beauty--if you're bored while touring this area in your motorhome rental then you're doing something wrong.

Drive west to find beautiful sandy beaches, gorgeous national parks and interesting caves to explore. If you drive the Cape Garden Route you can also walk amongst the tree canopies or surf. If awe-inducing natural beauty is what you're after you also won't want to miss Table Mountain and several of the mountain passes in the parks. Cape Town also offers several hot springs and spas to help you relax after a long day of beach combing or hiking.

If culture and gastronomy are what you're after don't fret, there is lots for you, too. On your way to your wine tasting why not stop for a spot of theatre in Darling and some delicious food in Moorreesburg? If you're a chocoholic then head straight to Tulbagh for your fix. Want some adventure in your food? If you drive the Cape Garden Route you will have the opportunity to try everything from ostrich eggs to crocodile steaks! To experience lively Cape Town culture try the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront (the area's most visited tourist attraction it boasts shopping, vitality and great food), bar hop on Long Street and enjoy a drink as the sun sets. On weekends head to Mzoli in Gugulethu where you can join in the local barbeque (braai) culture.

The busiest port in the country, the habour of Durban also attracts many vacationing South Africans, in fact, it's the most popular domestic tourist destination in the country. It shouldn't come as a surprise that many South Africans flock to this coastal city, with it's mix of natural beauty and culture. In fact, there is a distinctly urban vibe in the city and if you park your campervan rental in Durban you will find a myriad of experiences just waiting to be discovered. Art, design, museums, food and music are everywhere in Durban, not to mention great architecture. There are some wonderful examples of Art Deco and Victorian architecture in the city that have been lovingly preserved (head to the Berea and the Victoria Embankment for some of the best examples).

In the summer months you will be able to enjoy Durban's sandy beaches and water activities, from swimming to a sunset cruise. Don't miss the chance to walk along the Umhlanga Rocks and keep your eyes peeled for dolphin sightings if you do! If you're interested in learning more about the area's traditional culture, why not take in Phezulu in the Valley of a Thousand Hills, which is a great glimpse into the ways the Zulus live. You can also drive your motorhome rental to top game reserves nearby or take a lazy, scenic country drive to get a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. In the winter head to the snowy mountains on the outskirts of the city or visit the Gateway Theatre of Shopping, which includes a wavepool, go-karts, a skate park and an indoor climbing wall that stands 23 metres high.

Friday, August 13, 2010

Driving a campervan means you have to be a little more careful on the road than you do when driving a regular sized car. You have to watch how you take your turns and especially try to avoid tight alleys. Unfortunately, the campervan owner in the clip below didn't follow these rules and when his camper gets stuck in a narrow laneway the driver does everything he can to rescue it, making quite a mess of things in the process.

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

The world's eyes were turned on South Africa this summer with the buzz of the World Cup and the vuvuzelas, yet even though Spain has taken the trophy home it doesn't mean the party is over. If you have the chance, one place that certainly deserves a visit is Johannesburg, located in South Africa's wealthiest province, it is also the largest city in the country. This bustling metropolis is set on mineral rich (we're talking gold and diamonds) land and enjoys a generally sunny and dry climate punctuated by late day rainstorms in the summer months, which is from October to April in this part of the world. As public transportation is not always dependable a motorhome rental is a great way to explore Johannesburg to its fullest. Take a tour to the town of Soweto, the Nelson Mandela Bridge, or Gold Reef City, which is built around a mine and is a representation of what such a town would have looked like in the 1900s, complete with miner's houses. If you're looking for a little break from the urban sights then head to Sun City, two and a half hours outside of Johannesburg, this is a playground of resorts, casinos and safaris that will keep you more than occupied.

Want to discover Europe this summer, but without the crowds and exorbitant prices of places like Rome or Paris? Why not consider Slovenia? A charming country rich in history and culture, Slovenia is bordered by Italy, Croatia, Austria and Hungary. If you're interested in exploring Slovenia there is no better way than with the freedom offered by a motorhome rental. Along your drive you will be able to enjoy Slovenia's diverse landscape, which features everything from majestic mountains, forests and caves to lush valleys and a stretch of the Adriatic that is not to be missed. Slovenia's Offical Tour Guide has made it even easier to plan your Slovenia motorhome itinerary by providing six different routes for you to choose from.

1. Emerald Route(Kranjska Gora - Nova Gorica - Vipava - Idrija) - Northwest Slovenia is beautiful and pristine. Explore the Ravenska jama cave and taste some Pinela wine in Vipava, located in the Krn Mountains. Then enjoy a hike along the Soča River, visiting mountains, pools and rapids. Stop in Indrija to tour the lace making school and local Gewerkenegg Castle.

2. Peddler Route (Metlika - Ljubljana) - The spirit of the area's traditional peddlers still infuses this route. Here you will find great hiking and gorgeous natural sights from the Dolenjska and Bela krajina heritage trails to a walk along ancient Roman walls in charming Novo Mestoa. Take a tour of Lahinja Landscape Park, Cviček Trail and Kostel and Žužemberk Castles. While in the area be sure to try pogače cakes and Cviček wine.

3. Wind Route(Portorož - Ljubljana) - Catch a glorious sunset from the top of Mount Slivnica, a fabled stomping ground for witches. Windsurf in Portorož. Explore the underground Postojna Cave and Jože Plečnik's architecture in Ljubljana. Visit majestic Predjama Castle, which is carved out of a cliff. Head to a thermal spa in Koper or Strunjan and then wind down at the quaint restaurants along the coast, like in Tartini Square in Piran, where you should definitely try the seafood and wine.

4. Amber Route (Ljubljana - Maribor) - Along this route take medieval dance lessons in Celje castle or go on a wine tasting tour in a subterranean cellar in Maribor. There is hiking and horseback riding in Phorje, underground biking in Mount Peca and the pilgrimage trail that will take you from Bizeljsko to Nova Cerkev. Be sure to try Štajerska’s kisla juha soup.

5. Sun Route(Lendava - Novo Mesto) - Here you will find love and medicine. Trek to the Island of Love on the Mura River or see if you can come up with some ancient secrets at the historical Olimje Monastery pharmacy. There are also droves of thermal spas and health resorts along this way--in places like Banovaci and Morvaci--where you may want to stop to regroup and regenerate.

6. Goldenhorn Route (Ljubljana - Kranjska Gora) - If you want to be awed by nature then this itinerary won't disappoint. From mountains and lakes to valley and gorges this route has something for everyone. Don't miss: Triglav National Park.

Convinced that Slovenia is the way to go for your European getaway? Check out Motorhome Rental Slovenia for great deals for your motorhome vacation.

Motorhome Roadtrip

We recommend www.motorhomeroadtrip.com to you as a resource to help you plan your ultimate motorhome holiday. This website is packed with expert motorhome travel advice, recommendations on the best places to visit (including detailed self drive itineraries), motorhome travel videos, and even distance and fuel consumption calculators. Great motorhome rental road trips start at www.motorhomeroadtrip.com